Authors

Document Type

Response or Comment

Abstract

Despite research demonstrating that gene expression differs in response to social environmental circumstances, deterministic views of biology are common. Stuart and colleagues (this issue) encourage readers to think about genetic factors in the same dynamic and probabilistic manner that they consider other causes of intimate partner violence. Given that participants had co-occurring alcohol problems, future studies should evaluate how different genetic polymorphisms uniquely and synergistically contribute to heavy drinking and aggression under different socio-environmental conditions. Psychological expectancies have a powerful impact on behavior, thus extreme caution is required before labeling people as genetically predisposed to violence.

Disciplines

Genetics and Genomics | Psychology

Recommended Citation

Abbey, A. Responsible Integration of Biological and Psychosocial Models: Comments on “Genetic Associations with Intimate Partner Violence in a Sample of Hazardous Drinking Men in Batterer Intervention Programs" Violence Against Women (published online in advance of print, March 30, 2014, 1077801214528583) doi: 10.1177/1077801214528583